A cyber attack has crippled Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) global computer systems, causing significant delays for over a million Range Rover and Jaguar drivers. The attack forced JLR to shut down its systems, which has effectively paralysed franchised dealerships and garages as they can no longer order new parts or use JLR’s diagnostic tools.
JLR confirmed that while it is working to resolve the issue, its retail and production activities have been “severely disrupted.” James Wallis, who runs Nyewood Express in Hampshire, commented on the impact: “You’re going to see a lot of broken Land Rovers, because you can’t get the parts.” He also noted that a car failing its MOT “is going to be off the road.”
Some garages are using remaining stock to carry out repairs, while others are considering using parts from second-hand cars, although this comes with warranty issues. A spokesperson for parts supplier Britpart, Paul Myers, stated that his company could still distribute parts but that the attack was “restricting the ability” of workshops to fix vehicles. Myers added, “It’s costing everybody money and ultimately customers who own the cars will be disadvantaged by not being able to get the cars fixed.”
Cyber groups known as Scattered Spider and Shiny Hunters have claimed responsibility for the hack. JLR has stated that there is “no evidence any customer data has been stolen.” The company’s Halewood plant was temporarily closed as a result of the incident.
Source: Daily Mail